Niger plans to merge its incumbent to form Niger Telecom

Niger is one of the largest countries in West Africa but also one of the poorest countries in the world. Similar to many African countries; a lack of fixed telecoms infrastructure has led to growth in mobile services. Niger’s mobile penetration sits at over 40% in 2017, while fixed broadband, in comparison has a long way to go with only around 2% penetration.

However recent investments in improving fibre-optic infrastructure in Niger will lead to improved internet networks and access. Specifically, in late 2016 Niger received a boost when the African Development Bank (ADB) awarded €43.9 in funding to build-out the Trans-Saharan Dorsal optical fibre (SDR) network.

In late 2016 the Niger government announced it would merge it state-owned fixed line operator, Sonitel, with its wholly owned mobile unit, Sahel-Com, to form a new entity known as Niger Telecom. The merged company hopes to be more efficient through the sharing of resources and infrastructure. It is also hoped that Niger Telecom will be able to operate more competitively as its mobile unit currently holds less than 5% market share.

Key telecom parameters – 2013; 2016

Sector

2013

2016

Subscribers to telecoms services (million): (e)

Fixed broadband

0.006

0.015

Fixed-line telephony

0.147

0.176

Mobile phone

5.06

8.47

Key developments:

Niger is land locked country which prevents it from accessing the undersea cables off the coast of West Africa.

In late 2016 it was announced that Sonitel and Sahel-Com would be merged to form Niger Telecom.

Niger has the lowest percentage of individuals using the internet in the world.